With Home Ease Solutions, Kim’s focus is on helping people navigate change with ease—whether that’s preparing a home for sale, managing a move, or creating an environment that supports comfort and independent living over time.
How did you come up with the idea?
My background is in the film industry, buying for and dressing sets, where I developed a strong eye for seeing the potential in a space. When I decided to step away from film, I wanted to create something that used those skills in a practical way. Home Ease Solutions grew naturally from that, combining styling with hands-on help to get homes ready for sale.
Tell us about set dressing?
I’ve worked in the film and television industry for around 30 years, starting in drama on Shortland Street, then shows like Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. After returning from living overseas I got involved in larger international productions including Mulan, The Meg, Mission Impossible, Lord of the Rings and The Wrecking Crew. What I’ve always loved is the variety from creating intimate spaces to building entire worlds and working with incredibly talented crews.
Tell us about your gentle, considered approach to home staging what does that mean?
I think selling a home can be quite an emotional and vulnerable experience for people. Our homes are very personal as they’re our safe places. My approach is always gentle and respectful. It’s about guiding people to present their home in a way that appeals to buyers, not judging their taste or lifestyle. I work with homeowners at a pace they’re comfortable with so the process feels supportive, not overwhelming.
What is your golden rule?
My golden rule is simple as it’s their home, and they need to feel comfortable with every step. I’ll gently guide and suggest changes, but never push beyond what feels right for them. It’s about balance, trust and respect.
What do you like about Ponsonby?
Ponsonby has a real sense of character and soul, a bit like a suburb in a European city, which is rare in Auckland. The mix of old buildings, long-standing restaurants and independent shops gives it a strong identity and a feeling of place. And Prego is a one of those restaurants I’ve loved since it opened and that’s not me trying to get an outside table any time I want.
What was your childhood like?
My father worked for the United Nations, so I was born in Bangkok and lived there on and off until I was eight. From there we moved to Egypt, to a small town on the Suez Canal, and then on to Cyprus for four years before returning to New Zealand. It gave me a real sense of adaptability and ease with different cultures and environments.
I feel very grateful for it.
I will die happy if?
if I’ve lived each day with intention and without regret. If I was told that tomorrow would be my last day on earth, could I say to myself that I’ve lived with integrity, experienced what I wanted to experience, and made the most of my time, including the human connections and sense of family that have shaped my life? It hasn’t been perfect, but at the end of the day I only have myself to answer to and I can say, yes, I’ve done all those things.
Who would you like to star in a movie with?
Meryl Streep as she’s incredibly talented, grounded, and seems like she’d be a joy to work with. If it happened to be Mamma Mia 3, even better, because I love Greece.
After a day of filming, it would be all about an incredible location, amazing food, and hanging out with the cast and crew. That’s really the dream. The only condition is no singing or dancing on my part as no one needs to be subjected to that.
Favourite TV series
Deadwood. The writing, acting and characters are outstanding. I never expected to be so hooked on a series about a rough as guts gold rush town in the 1800s, but it completely pulls you in. In my humble opinion, Ian McShane’s character is one of the greatest in television history.
Dream holiday?
I never thought I’d be a cruise person, but I recently watched a video about a 14-day icebreaker expedition to the North Pole and it looked absolutely incredible. It’s not one of those giant floating-city cruises as it’s much smaller, more bespoke and beautifully done, which really appeals to me. The idea of travelling through the Arctic, seeing polar bears and experiencing that kind of vast, icy landscapes feels pretty extraordinary. It costs an eye wateringly amount of money, and I’ll probably never be able to afford it but a girl can dream.
www.homeeasesolutions.co.nz
